João Pedro had been waiting for a chance in the Premier League for a long time, and he’s proving that with a great start to life at Brighton. The Brazilian sensation boasts six goals and one assist in 17 games across all competitions this term, which is why Fernando Diniz included him in the Seleção’s squad for the November international break.
In an interview with Globo Esporte, the Fluminense product explained how he’s taking this news and reflected on everything he had to go through so far, revealing he had to put on some weight to be able to succeed in England.
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João Pedro talks about his physical change
“I think I came here weighing 69kg, 70kg… Today I’m 78kg, 79kg. Nine kilos is a lot, it changes a lot,” Pedro said when asked about his physical change in England. “Brazilian football is more about playing, it’s not physical, it’s more about having skill, being technical and playing football. Here it’s tactical, it’s physical, a completely different game. That’s why you see a lot of Brazilians who come here and can’t adapt. If you don’t do the tactical and physical part, you won’t play, at least here in England. You see Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and how they dedicate themselves physically.
“When I arrived here, I did specific work with Watford before the quarantine and I also trained at home during the pandemic. That’s when I gained more strength, more weight and started to play more. I managed to make up for what was lacking, because technically I was ahead, but physically I was below.”
🇧🇷 João Pedro in the #UEL 🥵
4 goals in 3 games ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/ewErlbY77p
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) November 1, 2023
Pedro says his development wasn’t just on his body, but also on his skills as a player.
“I’ve evolved a lot as a whole. Not just physically, but also technically, understanding the English game. Since I arrived, I’ve developed in everything little by little. Without evolving in one part and forgetting the other. It was a question of balance. And today I’m able to develop my best level because of that.”
The Brighton star is now with the Brazilian national team for the upcoming double-fixture of the South American World Cup Qualifiers. The Verde-amarela will take on Colombia in Barranquilla on Thursday, November 16. Five days later, they will welcome reigning champs Argentina to Río de Janeiro.
Samba Gold 2023: Voting open!
Voting for the Samba Gold Award 2023 is now open. Choose your favorite in the men’s, women’s and under-20 categories!
